Donna Brooker is asking locals to back the project, which will see the construction of a Boer War monument in Anzac Parade in Canberra.

Mrs Brooker’s grandfather, Lieutenant Donald Buchanan, served in the 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen in the Boer War in 1901 and 1902.

He was awarded the King Edward VII South Africa Medal for his services during the war.

“Walking down Anzac Parade, there is a glorious memorial to the Australian, human sacrifice of the Light Horsemen, Vietnam, South Korea, etcetera, but no Boer War memorial, the very first who died for our liberty and freedom of speech, without fear or favour,” Mrs Brooker said.

“The Australian people must move quickly with donations to support the funding of a monument.

“We have only been given two years to achieve our objective, and it is only through a show of interest that the Australian Government will come onside.”

Australia’s contribution to the Boer War was significant, suffering casualty numbers which have only been exceeded by those of World Wars I and II.

In all, over 16,000 troops were engaged in the Australian contingents and another 7000 Australians fought in other colonial and irregular units.

Approximately 70 men from around the Singleton district were a part of the Boer War, while a significant number of others from the Hunter also served.

It has been estimated that around 1000 Australians lost their lives on service in South Africa during the Boer War.

The Boer War Memorial National Committee is making a nation wide request for donations from the public to help make the monument a reality.

It has to show the Government that there is significant public interest in the project by June 2010 or the project may not proceed.

People wanting to make a donation to the Boer War Memorial Project can do so by electronic transfer to the Defence Credit Union account: BSB803205, Account number 20739876 or via the website at www.bwm.org.au.

Alternatively, donations can be made via mail to The BWM Project, Building 96, Victoria Barracks, Paddington, NSW, 2021.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible under ABN49709547198.